LONDON—Roger Federer, who has only won one title this season and will not finish in the Top 4 for the first time since 2002, still believes he’s in control of his destiny when he plays on surfaces other than clay.

“The French Open is always going to be hard as long as Rafa Nadal is around,” Federer told the BBC. “But on the other surfaces, if I am playing well, it’s more on my racquet than on anybody else’s racquet.”

Federer, who recently parted ways with coach Paul Annacone (he is still coached by Swiss Davis Cup captain Severin Luthi), explained his relationship with coaches, and said that he is open to change.

“I’m a very open person and I like to be criticized by my coaches,” he said. “That’s what I expect from them—I don’t want them to be saying ‘yes’ to me all the time and agreeing with everything I say. I want them to challenge me and tell me the truth, otherwise what is the point of hiring somebody?”